Equioxx Tablets 57 mg
Firocoxib
General Drug Information and Indications
COX-2 selective NSAID (firocoxib) approved for equine pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis; oral paste or injectable.
COX-2 selective NSAID (firocoxib). Mechanism: highly selective inhibition of COX-2 vs. COX-1 (>300:1 selectivity ratio) → reduces prostaglandin E2 at inflammatory sites with minimal gastric prostaglandin reduction. FDA-approved for horses. Once-daily dosing due to long equine half-life (~30 hrs). Available as paste and injectable.
Key information
Firocoxib — COX-2 selective NSAID for horses. Do NOT use in horses intended for human consumption. Paste: one dose applicator. Do not use in breeding/pregnant mares. Do not combine with other NSAIDs or corticosteroids.
How to Give this Medication
Oral paste (horses): administer via dose syringe into the back of the mouth at the space between the front and back teeth. Administer once daily. Adjust dose weight indicator before each use. Injectable (horses): administer IV only — slowly. Store at room temperature; protect from light.
If a dose is missed
Give the missed dose as soon as you remember. If the next dose is due within a few hours, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule. Never give a double dose.
Side Effects
GI: gastric and intestinal ulceration (lower risk than non-selective NSAIDs but possible). Renal: acute kidney injury with dehydration/pre-existing disease. Hepatotoxicity (monitor liver enzymes). Do not combine with other NSAIDs or corticosteroids. Platelet effects (less than non-selective).
Precautions
For animals
Horses only. Monitor for GI ulceration; use with caution in animals with GI disease. Monitor renal function, hydration status, and urine output. Monitor liver enzymes with prolonged use. Do not use concurrently with other NSAIDs or corticosteroids. Ensure adequate hydration. Baseline blood work before prolonged use. Use minimum effective dose.
For people handling this medication
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling. Avoid contact with eyes; if contact occurs, flush with water for 15 minutes and seek medical attention. Keep out of reach of children. If accidental ingestion occurs, contact Poison Control (1-800-222-1222). COX-2 NSAID — Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling. after handling paste or injectable. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Contact your veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately. NSAID overdose causes GI and kidney damage in horses.
Equioxx Tablets 57 mg dosage forms
| Product | Strength | Form | Size | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EQUIOXX 57MG TABLET | 57 MG | Tablet | 1 | Commercial |
| EQUIOXX 6.93 GRAMS PER TUBE PASTE | — | Paste | — | Commercial |
Sources
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian. Source: Merck Veterinary Manual – Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs in Animals (https://www.merckvetmanual.com/pharmacology/inflammation/nonsteroidal-anti-inflammatory-drugs-in-animals); Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook (Plumb, D.C., app.plumbs.com)